New (purchased in 2009) wooden ema prayer board featuring the image of a cow with flowers. This ema was produced to commemorate the year of the cow (uma) in 2009. The Japanese writing on the ema includes the words kaiun shofuku meaning 'for luck' as well as Heisei 21 nen meaning the 21st year (2009) of the reign of the Heisei emperor. Additional writing includes the name of the shrine 'Minowa Inari' where the ema was received. The backside of the ema is blank in order to provide space where the believer may write their prayer. This particular ema comes from Minowa Inari Shinto shrine located in the seaside city of Shimizu, Japan near Mt. Fuji. This shrine is over 400 years old and dedicated to Inari, the god of cereals and grains who protects the rice harvest and is one of the most important and revered of all Shinto deities. Please click here to see more religious charms, amulets and talismans! 

 

Brand new wooden ema prayer board featuring the image of a galloping horse wearing the famous Tokugawa family crest. A Japanese style red ink stamp at the lower corner includes the words Kunouzan Toushougu meaning "Kunouzan Toushougu" Shinto shrine. Blank spaces on the back of the prayer board are provided for the placement of the supplicant's personal information and prayer. This particular prayer board comes from Kunouzan Toushougu Shinto shrine located atop Japan's Mt. Kuno, overlooking the Pacific ocean and beautiful Suruga Bay. This shrine is dedicated to the deified spirit of Tokugawa Ieyasu who unified Japan in 1600 and founded the Tokugawa Shogunate which ruled Japan during the long and peaceful Edo period (1600 - 1868).